Integration is a Top Factor for Acquisition Success

One of the primary reasons acquisitions fail is because of integration challenges post-closing. Implementing your integration plan smoothly and effectively is key to realizing the synergies of your acquisition. In a KPMG survey, U.S. executives cited a well-executed integration plan as the top factor that leads to deal success.

Integration is a massive undertaking that you should begin planning long before the deal closes. There are many moving pieces to consider from combining IT systems and product lines to overcoming cultural differences to branding of the new company. In addition, you must clearly communicate with your employees and customers. If you are just beginning to think about integration when the acquisition closes, you are already too late.

Looking back on their past acquisitions, 80% of executives surveyed by EY would have sped up the integration process and 58% said they would have communicated their integration plan more clearly. Failing to focus on integration can be a costly mistake that can undo months or years of work. Don’t let that happen to you: plan for integration now.

David Braun

David Braun is the founder and CEO of Capstone Strategic and author of Successful Acquisitions: A Proven Plan for Growth. His specialty is helping companies grow through acquisition.

Through consistent focus on this one specialty, David has built up a formidable expertise that has led to an acquisition success rate way beyond the industry average.

David Braun is a sought-after educator who has been teaching senior executives and financial professionals for over 21 years. His live seminars and online webinars are in high demand, and his blog is widely read by M&A professionals, business owners and all who wish to understand the dynamics of growth through company acquisition.